In good condition, a Victorian 1897P Royal Engineer Officer’s Wilkinson Sword with original owner’s initials and family crest. Believed to be Lt Valentine Murray, Royal Engineers.
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The blade predates the hilt. Serial number 27173 for 1886. So the officer had the blade originally in an 1857 pattern RE hilt. The blade bears a family crest and the initials “MV” (or “VM”). We have not been able to research the serial number on the Wilkinson sales ledger as the ledger holders are not at work because of Covid! So, this may well be the bargain of the year if you buy and then research it yourself once they are back at work!
The 32 3/4 inch blade has been period professionally re-plated, almost certainly when the new hilt was added, so the etching is a little muffled but, unlike with more modern replating, is still clear enough. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt’s plating has aged (cream tarnished) and is starting to come away from the base steel, but is otherwise good. The grip and associated grip wire bindings are good. The plating on the steel scabbard is as per the hilt. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Researchable and who knows, the bargain of the century? Even without the potential, it is still very reasonably priced at just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number V94. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Box 1098-121x19x16 (2.242).
Likely officer based on initials and family crest: Valentine Murray, Royal Engineers, Lt 17 Feb 1886, Captain 07 Feb 1896, Brevet Major 29 Nov 1900. Served in the South African War of 1899-1902 as a Staff Officer and was Mentioned in Dispatches (according to the Harts Lists). He was at one point the District Traffic Superintendent on the Burma State Railway around 1897/8.
